Bruins vs. Lightning Prediction
The Boston Bruins cruised to a Game 1 win on the road over the favored Lightning. Is Boston a good bet again as the underdog in Game 2 tonight at Tampa Bay?
Game Snapshot
15 Boston Bruins at 16 Tampa Bay Lightning
Monday, April 30, 2018
Amalie Arena at 7PM ET
TV: NBC at 7PM ET
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Lightning are listed as a -160 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Bruins are a +140 underdog, while the total sits at 6 goals. As of Monday afternoon, 71 percent of public bets are coming in on host Tampa Bay. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Bergeron, Nash guide Boston to win
Center Patrice Bergeron scored two goals and added an assist, while left winger Rick Nash added two goals as well for the Bruins in their 6-2 win as the Game 1 underdog Saturday afternoon at Tampa Bay. Nash opened the scoring with a power play goal early in the first period and then added another goal in the second to make it 3-1 at that point. He now has three goals in the postseason. Bergeron’s first goal made it 2-1 early in the second, while his third period insurance goal made it a 5-2 game. He also has three goals during the playoffs. Brad Marchand contributed a goal and three assists in the decisive victory. David Pastrnak dished out four assists, while Charlie McAvoy registered two assists. Jake DeBrusk scored his sixth goal of the playoffs to make it a 6-2 final.
Rask bounces back strong in Game 1
Plenty of Boston fans were concerned about goaltender Tuukka Rask after an underwhelming opening round series against the Maple Leafs, but if Game 1 against the Lightning is any indication he appears to be just fine. Rask surrendered two goals, but also made 34 saves for a sparkling .944 save percentage in the win. He was coming off a Game 7 against Toronto where he gave up four goals on only 24 shots, but lucked out as Boston scored seven of its own to advance. On the other side of the ice, Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was coming off a strong series against the Devils, but struggled in Game 1 here as he gave up five goals on 23 shots.
NHL Betting Trends
Boston
The Bruins are 43-18 in the last 61 meetings. Boston is 6-1 in its last seven meetings in Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay
The Lightning are 4-0 in their last four games after scoring two goals or less the previous game. The under is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings.
Prediction:
Boston has won four of the five meetings this season, including two of three at Tampa Bay. It was big enough in Game 1 and has had enough positive history against the Lightning that I can’t help but want that plus money tonight. There is always risk involved in sports betting, but this seems like a good chance to take.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: BOSTON BRUINS +140